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Presentation

The consequentiality of communication: Implications for risk researchers

Audience:

Adults

Description:

In this presentation, I examine how the Federal government has defined disaster communication over three decades. I suggest that communication, and coordination, is more than just an activity that is 'understood'. Risk communication is a complex event that requires shared understanding. It is a situated, in the moment decision making process. Further, ineffective communication has as material and political-legal consequences in disaster and risk management. I conclude with recommendations that disaster communication research takes into consideration the consequentiality of communication, which moves beyond the end results of a risk or crisis event and considers the procedures, dynamics, and structures of communication.